Sunday, January 31, 2010

Recognition at work is gaining more and more attention as a risk factor linked to work-related mental health problems. Employees increasingly expect that their efforts will be recognized, both through daily signs of appreciation and encouragement as well as wages and career opportunities. Recognition can also be shown by creating a forum for discussion in which individuals can express their points of view about their work. Individuals who do not feel appreciated and recognized in their work, either by their superiors or co-workers, may well develop work-related mental health problems. Moreover, several studies have shown that recognition is linked to motivation and satisfaction at work, levels of psychological distress and risks of cardio-vascular disease.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

By Andrew GuestPatience and resourcefulness, two of the main attributes required of marine accident investigators, are being tested to the limit.

They can handle many things in their line of work – crawling around in dirty and dangerous spaces, extracting information from suspicious or scared seafarers and handling aggressive legal representatives – without complaining too loudly.

One thing, however, that is increasingly causing these quietly determined detectives to make their feelings known is the “black box”, known more prosaically as the voyage data recorder (VDR). When this box of tricks was adopted by shipping from aviation it was seen as an invaluable tool in getting to the bottom of why things had gone wrong – sometimes very badly.

Of course, like many other things, the reality has often proved to be far different from the promise and the black box turns out to be a black hole. Instead of a wealth of data from the ship’s equipment and recordings of what was happening on the bridge at the time, the VDR offers nothing but silence or static.

In the latest example of the frustration no doubt shared by others, including lawyers, German investigators have reported in length and in great technical detail their experience with a malfunctioning VDR on the containership Chicago Express after a fatal accident.

The frustration, as the VDR was put through various diagnostic tests, was heightened when at one point they were falsely lead to believe the black-box data could be retrieved.

Given that this was not the first time they had been, if not thwarted, hampered by VDR failure (they cite four other cases, the most recent being the collision between the containership Hanjin Gothenburg and the bulker Chang Tong in September 2007), it is not surprising they have given vent to their feelings.

Accepting that early teething problems are understandable, they say, “However, after more than five years of technological development and optimisation, we cannot understand how it is possible for a VDR system to fail in terms of both software and hardware to the extent seen here”.

An unsuccessful attempt to rectify the problem with the containership’s VDR before the incident in September 2008 was, the report from the Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BSU) says, “an example that evidently even highly trained staff are not always readily familiar with the full functionality of the system on site”.

EU foreign ministers said the union would continue to help stabiliseSomalia by supporting "vital" areas including the security sector anddevelopment. "In this context, the [EU] council agreed to set up a military mission tocontribute to training of Somali security forces," the ministers said in astatement.

Earlier Cristina Gallach, spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief JavierSolana, said the training camp would be a "very good contribution" totackling Somalia's problems. The training plan is expected to last for roughly a year, and will begin in spring 2010.

Somalia has been gripped by fierce fighting since 2007 and the country hasnot had a strong central government since 1991. More than 1.5 million people have been uprooted by the fighting which has claimed nearly 20,000 lives.

Western countries have pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to help thecountry develop its security forces and help restore order. The rise of Somali pirates in recent years has helped focus international attention on the strife-torn country.

Pirates are currently holding hostage at least 13 ships and more than 230crew.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. In your desire to please or impree them,do not go too far in displaying your talents or you might accomplish the opposite - inspire fear and insecurity. make your masters appear more brilliant that they are and you will attain heights of power.

The implementation of the mandatory carriage of ECDIS will definitely turn the world of Marine Navigation into greater perspective especially concerning Safe Navigation. Experienced Mariners who are used to sail with paper charts will need to be re-educated with the use of the new technology taking into consideration its most important concept which is to use it in context with the best practices of good seamanship.

Monday, January 25, 2010

The ICC International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre’s (IMB PRC) annual report on piracy has revealed that their were 406 incidents of piracy and armed robbery on shipping throughout 2009. This is the highest number since 2003. According to the IMB PRC’s figures, some 153 vessels were boarded, 49 vessels were hijacked, 84 attempted attacks and 120 vessels fired upon – compared to 46 ships fired upon in 2008.

Jamaica-flagged M/V Miltiades came under attack and successfully deterred suspected pirates Jan. 17, while transiting approximately 130 nautical miles southwest of Al Mukalla, Yemen. The pirate skiff fired on the M/V with AK-47 rifles. The Miltiades embarked security team fired red flares and the ship took recommended evasive maneuvers to cause the skiff to break off the attack.

Ten MA's and ten PhDs went to a meeting by train. The MAs each had their own ticket, but the PhDs -- who have little money, of course -- had only one ticket between them. The MAs asked the PhDs, "How are you going to manage with only one ticket?" "Just watch." replied the PhDs.

They all got on the train and the ten MAs took their seats and handed their tickets to the conductor. Meanwhile, the PhDs all piled into a bathroom. When the conductor came by, a single arm reached out and gave him the ticket.

The MAs, feeling enlightened, decided to try the same thing on the way home, so they purchased just one ticket between the ten of them. The PhDs bought no ticket at all. "How are you going to get home?" asked the MAs. "Just watch." replied the PhDs.

When they get on the train, all the MAs piled into a bathroom and nine of PhDs got into another bathroom. The tenth PhD then knocked on the MAs' bathroom door and said "Ticket please." Out came a single arm to hand over the ticket.

The moral of the story? Don't use a technique unless you thoroughly understand the principle... =)

"When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly." -- Barbara J. Winter

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Leadership can take many different forms.It could be line managing teams in a department or during an assignment. It could mean using your expertise in a key subject area. It could involve thought leadership. Either way, it's about getting things done- individually or through people- in a way that others will admire and follow.At every level and in every kind of job, leaders are the ones who demonstrate that great results can be achieved by working in different ways to overcome natural boundaries. Often operating their comfort zones, these are the people who close the gap between knowing what needs to be done and achieving it.

Friday, January 22, 2010

22 Jan 2010 - Two pirates were killed in a gunfight with a rival group after releasing the hijacked Greek VLCC Maran Centaurus last Monday.

Pirates released the tanker after what was believed to be a record breaking ransom of more than $7M was dropped onto the tankery by helicopter.

The fully loaded 300,294 dwt tanker was hijacked on 29th Nov in the Somali Basin with 28 crew members onboard, EU NAVFOR confirmed. It was finally released outside Haradere off Somalia and headed towards Durban.

Operator and manager Maran Tankers Management said all crew members were safe and well. The company would not confirm whether a ransom had been paid, " as they do not provide any information which might in any way encourage further criminal acts of this kind". the company said in a press statement.

A U$ 3 M ransom was believed paid for the release of another VLCC, the Sirius Star, in January 2009 and similar ransom have subsequently been paid.

Meanwhile, the Turkish navy helped Indian Suezmax 'Jag Layak' evade an attack by pirates in the Gulf of Aden.

A helicopter from a Turkish frigate intercepted a pirate skiff that had opened fire on 147, 834 dwt tanker on Saturday morning, EU NAVFOR said. No-one was hurt in the attack and the alleged pirates were arrested.

Since then the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) released a statement calling on governments to do more to fight piracy.

" It is extraordinary that governments today seem less able to protect shipping than they were almost 200 years ago," ICS chairman Spyros Polemis said.

Worldwide piracy attacks rose nearly 40% in 2009, with Somali pirates accounting for more than half of the 406 reported incidents, according to the International Maritime Bureau ( IMB) in its annual report.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

The American Heart Association (AHA) has for the first time defined "ideal cardiovascular health" and linked it to seven simple measures ("Life's Simple 7") that people can influence through diet and lifestyle changes to move from poor and intermediate to ideal health.

Life's Simple 7

Never smoked, or quit more than a year ago.

Having a BMI (body mass index) of less than 25 kg/m2.

Exercising at a moderate level for at least 150 minutes, or at an intense level for 75 minutes per week.

Meeting four to five of the key components of a healthy diet in line with current AHA guidelines.

Leo F. Buscaglia once quoted: “The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live..” Having reading the quote, I had something in my mind: I can't think of a single reason why I should I enter a graduate school… but I can think of a thousand reasons why I should quit. Sometimes, they make it hard on purpose. There comes a moment when it's more than just a game. And you either take that step forward or turn around and walk away. I could quit, but here's the thing,….. I love the playing field..

MV Spirit of Adventure under Magsaysay Shipping once again explored the beauty of the East including Philippines. On 16 Jan 2010, MV Spirit of Adventure docked at Pier 13 Manila from 0600h - 1600H. Luckilly, I visited my cousin aboard the ship and had a chance of exploring every corner of it. 14 Jan., MV Spirit of Adventure also visited Cebu for the Sinulog Festival, 15 Jan., guests experienced the famous white powder-soft beaches of Boracay and on 17 Jan. San Fernando La Union, guests excursion the mountain resort of Baguio. It was such a fun memory seeing crew re-united with their families with big smiles on their faces .

Supreme Court rejects benefits as seafarer failed to submit to medical examination within three days from repatriation

A seafarer must submit himself to a post employment medical examination by the company designated physician within three working days from repatriation. Under the POEA contract, failure to do so shall result in his forfeiture of the right to claim benefits. Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales dismissed seafarer’s complaint for reporting to the company physician seven months after his repatriation.

In this case, seafarer/petitioner was hired as chief cook for a 3-month contract of employment. While on board the vessel, he felt a throbbing pain in his chest and shortening of breath. Upon completion of his contract, he was repatriated and immediately reported to vessel interests/respondents his condition but that he was never referred to a doctor for consultation. Seven months after, petitioner sought re-employment and during his PEME he was diagnosed with error of refraction, hyperglycemia, cardiac dysrhythmia and atrial fibrillation with rapid value response. He was declared unfit for sea duties and was denied further deployment. Petitioner sought the opinion of a private doctor and was assessed with an Impediment Grade IX and that his illness was work-aggravated. He then filed a complaint for payment of permanent disability benefits, medical reimbursement, sickness allowance, compensatory damages, moral damages, exemplary damages and attorney’s fees.

The Labor Arbiter, the NLRC and the Court of Appeals dismissed seafarer’s complaint. Both the Labor Arbiter and the NLRC discredited seafarer’s allegation that he reported his medical condition to the manning agent.

The Supreme Court denied the petition. The Court ruled that petitioner was repatriated not on account of any illness or injury, but due to completion of contract. The records are bereft of any documentary proof that he had referred his illness to a nurse or doctor in order to avail of proper treatment regarding his condition. But even assuming that petitioner was repatriated for medical reasons, the Court said that petitioner failed to submit himself to the company-designated physician for medical examination within three days from his arrival. Petitioner submitted himself for medical examination to the company-designated physician only seven months after his repatriation following the completion of his employment contract. Thus, failure to comply with this requirement bars the filing of any claim for disability benefits.

In Abante vs. KJGS Fleet Management Manila (December 4, 2009) and in Iloreta vs. Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (December 4, 2009), Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio Morales reiterated the 120 day rule in Crystal Shipping that a seafarer is deemed permanently disabled if he is unable to work for more than 120 days.

It both these two cases, Justice Carpio-Morales awarded compensation as seafarer failed to work for more than 120 days. However, the two decisions never discussed the 240 day rule in the Vergara decision.

It is the author’s opinion that the two recent decisions do not alter the Vergara decision as said decision was never discussed in these two recent decisions. The author however reiterates its recommendation that an interim assessment be made by the company physician prior to the expiration of the 120 days as it would appear there are those who are still not familiar or who do not subscribe to the Vergara decision.

Researchers in Australia found that prolonged television viewing was linked to an increased risk of death, even in people who exercised regularly, and recommended more be done to encourage people to spend fewer hours sitting still in front of the TV.

The study, which appeared online on 11 January in the journal Circulation, is the work of lead author Dr David Dunstan, a researcher at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, and colleagues.

The researchers wrote that studies have been done on television viewing time and health, but these have focused on links with cardiovascular risk, and not risk of death. So for this study they investigated the link between prolonged television viewing time and all-cause, cardiovascular, cancer and non- cardiovascular/non-cancer mortality in Australian adults.

One of the surprising things they found was that even for people who exercised regularly, the risk of death went up the longer they spent in front of the TV: they suggest the problem was the prolonged periods of sitting still.

In an issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine, specialists argue that prolonged periods of sitting are truly detrimental. In addition, we should focus on the harms caused by daily inactivity rather than on the lack of regular exercise alone.

The term "sedentary behavior" has come to mean "taking no exercise" according to doctors from the Karolinska Institute and the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences in Stockholm, Sweden.

They say it should be more correctly used to describe "muscular inactivity."

Recent research indicates that prolonged periods of sitting and lack of whole body muscular movement are strongly linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and an overall higher risk of death. This is regardless of whether moderate to vigorous exercise is taken.

An Australian study suggested that for every additional hour a woman sits in front of the TV, her risk of metabolic syndrome which is a precursor to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, increases by 26 percent. This is irrespective of how much moderate exercise she does.

• Accidents are caused by a combination of seemingly minor non-compliances and shortcuts• Diligent performance and compliance with rules starts at the top of an organization and includes training and coaching of officers and crew, leaders as role models, awareness of rules and regulations, verification and follow-up• Active near miss reporting/safety observation is an effective tool to train the crew at all levels to observe and act on risky conditions. To encourage this, a no-blame culture is important. Positive near miss reporting is also recommended• Positive antecedents are things that prompt an individual to act safely. Thisinclude signs, displays, tools, equipment, information, and people examples

Principles of risk management should...• create value.• be an integral part of organizational processes.• be part of decision making.• explicitly address uncertainty.• be systematic and structured.• be based on the best available information.• be tailored.• take into account human factors.• be transparent and inclusive.• be dynamic, iterative and responsive to change.• be capable of continual improvement and enhancement

Some risks can be diversified away and some cannot. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Diversification creates offsets between good results and bad results.Not all risks are created equal.Generally, if there is a greater risk, there is a greater potential for reward. And the wisdom goes in the other direction, that there are smaller rewards for smaller risks.Once you decide what kind of investor you are, what your goals are, and what your comfort level with risk is, then you can decide how much you'll put your money in the way of risk.

"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."by : Theodore Roosevelt